# Artistic Swimming in the United States: Tracie Ruiz and Candy Costie

Artistic Swimming, formerly known as synchronized swimming, is a hybrid form of swimming, dance, and gymnastics, consisting of swimmers performing a synchronized routine of elaborate moves in the water, accompanied by music. This sport has been part of the Olympic Games since the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, California. It was during these games that the United States first showcased its talent in the discipline, making a significant mark through the achievements of Tracie Ruiz and Candy Costie, who became the country's first Olympic medalists in the sport.

## Early Beginnings and the 1984 Olympics

Tracie Ruiz, born in Honolulu, Hawaii, and Candy Costie, from Seattle, Washington, entered the sport of synchronized swimming at a young age. Their journey in artistic swimming began in their respective local swimming pools and eventually led them to compete on national and international stages. By the early 1980s, both athletes were recognized as top competitors in the United States.

Under the guidance of their coach, Charlotte Davis, Ruiz and Costie meticulously honed their skills and developed routines that emphasized technical precision, artistic expression, and synchronization. Their hard work and dedication culminated in their participation in the 1984 Summer Olympics, the first time artistic swimming was included in the Olympic program.

The duo competed in the women's duet competition, a segment of the sport that requires two swimmers to perform synchronized routines that are both technically challenging and artistically compelling. Ruiz and Costie's performance at the Games was outstanding, captivating the judges and the audience with their impeccable synchronization, intricate movements, and expressive choreography set to music.

Their routine scored highly on both technical merit and artistic impression, leading them to win the gold medal. This victory was historic as it not only marked their personal triumph but also recorded them as the first Olympic medalists in artistic swimming from the United States.

## Legacy and Contribution to the Sport

The success of Tracie Ruiz and Candy Costie at the 1984 Olympics had a profound impact on the popularity and development of artistic swimming in the United States. It inspired a new generation of athletes to pursue the sport and contributed to its growth at the grassroots level. The visibility of artistic swimming increased significantly, with more television coverage and sponsorships following their Olympic victory.

Post their Olympic win, Ruiz continued to compete and added two more Olympic medals to her tally, securing individual gold in 1984 and a silver in 1988. Meanwhile, Costie moved on from competitive swimming but continued to contribute to the sport in other capacities.

## Conclusion

Tracie Ruiz and Candy Costie's achievement in the 1984 Olympics was a landmark moment for artistic swimming in the United States. Their gold medal performance not only demonstrated the potential of American athletes in this graceful and demanding sport but also laid the groundwork for its future successes. Their legacy continues to influence the sport, inspiring young swimmers to pursue excellence in artistic swimming and to aspire to the Olympic dream. Their story remains a testament to the dedication, skill, and passion required to excel at the highest levels of artistic swimming.